Pollies push business revival

SHADOW treasurer Michael Daley and Labor candidate for Londonderry Prue Car met small business workers in St Marys last week.

With less than a year before the next state election, the pair hit Queen Street to get ideas from shopkeepers on bringing the once thriving strip to its former glory.

"We're here to meet business owners to find out what needs to be done to encourage development," Ms Car said.

"Jobs in St Marys is a priority for me because families are struggling with the commute to work. A Penrith Council report states 66 per cent of residents travel outside the LGA for work. We have to make sure there's support for the local economy."

Mr Daley said the state government had wasted its chance to build local economies.

"The Premier needs to start employing more apprentices," he said.

"Investing in TAFE is important whether for school leavers or someone changing jobs."

A bakery employee told the pair business was slow because customers struggled with the increased living costs.